Hiccup turned back to the Dragon Eye, his expression serious. "Alright, everyone. Listen up."
The chatter died down as the riders focused on him. Toothless shifted beside the map, the glow from his plasma reflecting on the dragon's sleek scales.
"We've got a new lead on dragon activity," Hiccup began, pointing to the pulsing symbol on the Dragon Eye. "We don't know exactly what's going on there, but it's close to the Broken Skull Islands. Could be hunters, could be a new threat—either way, we need to investigate."
Ruffnut and Tuffnut immediately started arguing about who should go first. "I call dibs on the first dive!"
"No way! I'm way faster!"
"Quiet!" Hiccup barked, holding up a hand. "We're not just rushing in blindly. We'll split into teams."
He gestured toward Astrid. "You'll lead the first team. Your job is reconnaissance. Keep an eye on any threats, and report back. Austin—" His eyes briefly met mine, and I felt the weight of that glance. "You and your dragon stay with me and Toothless. You'll act as a support team. Keep an eye on everyone, be ready to help, and make sure the Speed Stinger is safe."
I nodded. "Got it."
Astrid smirked faintly. "Looks like you'll be working close with the boss," she said, nodding toward Hiccup.
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my tone light. "Sounds good."
Fishlegs raised his hand eagerly. "I can help map the islands! I can chart every cave, every ridge—"
"I know, Fishlegs," Hiccup said, smiling faintly. "You'll be the navigator."
Snotlout grinned, adjusting his helmet. "And I'll take point. Nothing's getting past me."
Hiccup shot him a sharp look. "Stay coordinated, and keep your dragons under control. Everyone, remember—this isn't a fight unless it becomes one. Observation first. Report second. Only engage if absolutely necessary."
The riders nodded, determination flashing in their eyes. Toothless chirped softly, sensing the tension and anticipation.
I glanced down at the Speed Stinger, who let out a quiet, low hiss of agreement.
This was it. The first real test.
And for the first time, I realized that everything I knew about this world could actually change the outcome—if I played it right.
Hiccup stepped back, looking at all of us. "Alright. Let's move."
The Edge hummed with energy as the teams split up, dragons leaping and wings stretching. The adventure had officially begun.
We'd barely taken a few steps from the main building when I felt that familiar tingle in my mind—the subtle reminder that the system was active.
A soft, faint glow appeared in front of me—visible only to me—displaying a simple message:
Mission Assigned: First Dragon Eye Reconnaissance
Objective: Scout the Broken Skull Islands. Observe any threats and return safely.
Rewards on Completion: SP +200, Dragon Bond Growth +10, Special Item (Conditional)
I blinked, glancing down at the Speed Stinger. Its red eyes flicked toward me, tail curling protectively. The way it shifted on its muscular legs, moving with careful, precise steps, reminded me just how fast and dangerous it could be on the ground.
Conditional? I thought, raising an eyebrow. Guess we'll find out what that means.
I kept my expression neutral as Hiccup looked at me. "Ready?" he asked, completely unaware of the notification floating in my vision.
I nodded, smiling faintly. "Yeah… ready."
The Speed Stinger let out a low hiss and started ahead, sprinting with surprising speed across the terrain, its webbed talons gripping rocks and dirt with perfect balance. Toothless glided beside us in the air, eyes flicking down occasionally to check on us, but it was the Speed Stinger that kept pace closest to me, moving in perfect sync.
No one else would ever know about the interface only I could see.
And that was fine.
This mission wasn't just about the Dragon Eye—it was the start of everything I could change. Every step I took, every choice I made… would be mine alone.
I exhaled slowly, feeling the adrenaline rise.
Let's go.
The Edge hummed around us—the roar of distant waves, the wind whipping across the cliffs, the sound of claws skimming rocks. The first mission had begun.
The Broken Skull Islands rose ahead, jagged cliffs jutting from the sea, waves crashing violently below. The salty air stung, and a cold wind whipped across the rocks.
I slid onto the Speed Stinger's back, settling between its muscular shoulders. Its claws dug into the dirt as it crouched, tail flicking, muscles coiled like a spring. Toothless circled above, green eyes scanning, plasma glowing faintly in his mouth.
"Let's do this," I muttered.
The Speed Stinger shot forward with explosive speed, weaving nimbly between jagged rocks. Even on its own, it was terrifyingly fast—but with me riding, it felt unstoppable. Its tail swayed like a whip, ready to strike at anything that got too close.
We hadn't gone more than a hundred meters inland when shadows flitted across the cliffs—faster than any normal animal should move.
A group of Deadly Nadder variants burst from behind the rocks, larger and more aggressive than I remembered. Their wings snapped the air, shrill screeches echoing off the cliffs.
The Speed Stinger twisted sharply, dodging a lunging dragon, claws scraping against the jagged stone. Its tail stinger flexed, glinting red, and I gripped its sides, moving as one with it.
"Go!" I shouted.
With a burst of speed, the Speed Stinger lunged toward the nearest Nadder, tail flicking like lightning. I leaned low, keeping my balance, feeling every movement echo through my arms and legs. The dragon hissed, moving instinctively to protect me, striking with precision.
Toothless swooped down from above, plasma charging, but he stayed careful, letting the Speed Stinger handle the ground battle.
My heart pounded. This is it. The first real fight in this world—and we're riding into it together.
The Deadly Nadders circled again, screeching, talons scraping the rocks. But the Speed Stinger twisted and darted, weaving like water over rocks, tail snapping, claws gripping. It moved faster than I thought possible, almost like it anticipated every attack.
I leaned forward, whispering, "We've got this."
Its red eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt a deep connection—more than just rider and dragon. We were a team.
And with a roar that echoed across the cliffs, the Speed Stinger surged ahead, tail lashing, and the first real battle had begun.